Dierry Jean: "I will prove that I'm the next great one"

Over the years, the light welterweight division has housed many of the best fighters in the world, though things are constantly evolving and changing with new talent emerging. One of these guys is late starter Dierry Jean (of Haitian descent) from the boxing hotbed of Montreal, Canada. During a six-year career, Jean has advanced to a spotless 23-0 (15), last time out impressively becoming the first man to stop grizzled Mexican warrior Ivan Cano in 11 rounds. The win positioned the 30-year-old closer to following in his mentor, Joachim Alcine’s footsteps. Currently, at 140 pounds, Jean is ranked number one by the WBC, seven by the IBF and 14 by the WBA. He hopes to parlay the Cano win into a title eliminator in early 2013. It would be interesting to see Jean face the likes of Karim Mayfield, Kendall Holt or Denis Shafikov to further advance his claims.

Anson Wainwright - You recently stopped Ivan Cano in the 11th round. Can you tell us about the fight? Were you happy with your performance?

Dierry Jean – Overall happy with the result though I was surprised to see him running in the ring. I think he got hurt early. It’s not like him to run. I would have liked to cut [off] the ring more. I believe I would have stopped him earlier but like I said, overall happy with the result.

AW - It’s still early days but when are you looking to fight next? What are your plans for 2013? Are you targeting anyone? How far do you think you are from fighting the top guys?

DJ - Now that I’m ranked first in the WBC, we’re working on getting an elimination bout for early 2013; we’re targeting February. Our target is the WBC belt in 2013. It happens to be around the waist of Danny Garcia now and I want to take it. Definitely feel ready for the top guys in the world. The question is more like: Are they ready for what I will bring them?

AW -For those who haven’t seen you, describe your style of fighting and what areas you consider to be your strengths and what you’re looking to improve on.

DJ - I like to believe that I’m a complete fighter. I can adapt to any style of opponent. I can be a technician and I can brawl. I got speed, power and skill. The key to everything is hard work and dedication. The rest comes.

AW -Who are the members of your team, your manager, trainer and promoter?

DJ - My team and I are a very tight-knit family composed of my coach, Mike Moffa, my manager and promoter, Camille Estephan, through Eye of the Tiger Management.

AW -Tell us a little about your training before a fight.

DJ - My training consists of two sessions a day, one session dedicated to strength-and-conditioning training with my coaches, Jarek and Andre Kulesza, at Centre Claude-Robillard in Montreal and boxing at night at Underdog Gym with Mike. As far as sparring partners, I have the luxury to have excellent fighters as teammates with EOTM such as Ghislain Maduma (a 11-0 (7) lightweight from Congo), Baha Laham (a 10-0-1 (4) super featherweight from Lebanon) and Mian Hussein (a 3-0 (3) light middleweight). As well, of course, we have many excellent boxers in the area of Montreal but what we do as well is hire specific sparring partners which styles are comparable to my opponents. With diet, I try keep it simple and make sure I don’t balloon my weight after fights, so that I don’t have to suffer cutting weight too drastically prior to fights.

AW -I believe you’re of Haitian descent. Could you tell us a little about your upbringing and your early years and how the move to Canada came about and how you took up boxing?

DJ - I was introduced to boxing by Joachim Alcine, a former world champion of Haitian descent from Montreal. I think God meant [it] to be this way. One night, I had a dream that I was a professional boxer and the next day, I met Joachim, who brought me to a boxing gym. I was 18 and from the beginning, it was obvious that I was made for this and since then, I never looked back. I’m very proud of my Haitian heritage and very proud to be a Quebecer and Canadian.

AW -What was your amateur career like, if you could talk about the tournaments you won?

DJ - As far as my amateur career, I was provincial champion four years in a row and then decided to go pro as my coach and I felt that my style was better suited for the pros. My final record was 54-8.

DJ - The division is quite loaded with talent and very good fighters yet I truly believe that I belong among [them] and I will prove that I’m the next great one. Through having good competition, one can show greatness and I patiently await my opportunity to show that. I believe Danny Garcia to be a good fighter with a good left hook. Nonetheless, my team and I are pursuing this fight and we believe we have what it takes to take care of business. Lamont Peterson is a good fighter among the rest in the division. [Khabib Allakhverdiev vs. Joan Guzman] was a pretty close fight, really exciting. I also gave it to Allakhverdiev though.

AW -What are your goals in boxing?

DJ - My goals are quite simple. I want to fulfill my potential and my team and I believe that would put me among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Nonetheless, we’ll take it one step at a time and start by pursuing the world title in 2013.

AW -When you’re away from boxing, what do you like to do with your time? Do you have any hobbies or interests, family, etc.?

DJ - I’m rarely away from boxing yet when I am, it’s family time and rest.

AW -What boxers did you look up to when you were younger and who do you like to watch today?

DJ - I looked up to Joachim Alcine, who introduced me to boxing and now, I like watching Floyd Mayweather.

AW -In closing, what would you like to say to the light welterweight division?

DJ - What I would like to say to guys in my division is, “Watch out, guys. It is ‘Dougy Style’ time! My time!” “Dougy Style” is my nickname as my friends call me “Dougy” and I’m recognized to box with style. I would like to take the time to thank you for your coverage. It is much appreciated.